By DAVID LINDSAY-ABAIRE
Directed by JAMES J. CHRISTY
On the Arcadia StageOctober 22 - December 20, 2009

As improbably funny as it is heartbreaking, this story of a family in crisis won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Becca and Howie had the perfect life – a great marriage, a beautiful house, and a lovely son. But after a tragic accident, the couple faces the challenges of surviving great loss and making a life with the family that remains. Director James J. Christy and Philadelphia actress Grace Gonglewski return to bring this modern masterpiece to life.

"A cathartic crowd-pleaser... It soothes not only the characters, but the audience." –Philadelphia Inquirer

"In this superior production, Howie (Brian Russell) took me deepest into to laughter and tears - though the ensemble give and take is extraordinary. Above all, James J. Christy's direction understands pain and ordinary life: where the silences fall, where laughter erupts and the fighting. Few will fail to recognize the reality and the art." –WRTI [Review]

"A deeply affecting production. Temple University undergrad Aaron Stall is magnificent. It's an honest, tender and at times humorous story of people struggling with unimaginable pain." –Philadelphia Weekly [Review]

"Director James J. Christy is not afraid to dig into the play's rich humor as much as its sadness, and builds beautiful, seamless evolutions of tone and conflict within the scenes. Arden veteran Grace Gonglewski and Brian Russell, in the roles of the parents, give pitch-perfect portrayals." –EDGE Philadelphia [Review]

"What's astonishing is that Rabbit Hole never feels mawkish, morose or manipulative. Characters are fully fleshed out, veering between anguish, irritation and rage, yet each emotion feels authentic. And there's a welcome streak of wry humor that makes the characters even more relatable and realistic. Grace Gonglewski is beautifully restrained and eminently believable as Becca. Rabbit Hole is uplifting and life affirming." –Talkin' Broadway [Review]

"This is as human and personal a play as has come our way in a very long time. Rabbit Hole is a theatrical event of uncommon power." –Chestnut Hill Local

Behind the Scenes–

"In Rabbit Hole, actors have to munch on real baked goods onstage. Dianna Marder from the Philadelphia Inquirer goes into the kitchen with cast and crew as they fire up the ovens." [Article]

Maiken Scott from WHYY discusses the challenges of Rabbit Hole for both audiences and cast. [Article]

Lewis Whittington of EDGE Philadelphia interviews Janis Dardaris about the role of Nat. [Article]